Featuring stunning white sand beaches and a world-famous nightlife, Miami is a top tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. In fact, Miami hosted a record-setting 14.2 million tourists in 2013. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe on pristine beaches, dance the night away in sizzling South Beach, or enjoy the natural wonders of a tropical paradise, Miami is an excellent destination and one of America’s most beautiful gems.
Miami’s Breathtaking Beaches
Miami is world-famous for its stunning beaches. Featuring pristine white sand and glimmering turquoise water, Miami’s beaches are reason enough to visit. For a day of people-watching and sunbathing, the immodest Euro-style scene of Miami Beach is the place to go. Just look for the Art Deco-styled lifeguard stand! For visitors with small children or those who prefer a more serene beach atmosphere, Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne is wonderfully tranquil and features a water playground and carousel for the little ones.
For those looking for beachfront lodging, South Beach Plaza Villas and the Hotel of South Beach provide spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida’s celebrated tropical sunsets. Priced to fit any budget, the hotel choices on Miami Beach are plentiful.
South Beach After Dark
When Miami’s ocean air cools down at night, South Beach begins to heat up. For those who enjoy a night on the town, South Beach offers seemingly limitless options. From laid-back, upscale lounges to dusk-to-dawn, high energy nightclubs, South Beach are a must-do and must-dance destination. For food enthusiasts, grab a bite at Joe’s Stone Crab, an institution in South Beach famous for their key lime pie.
Art Deco District
Turn back the clock and spend the day exploring the Art Deco District. Glamorous hotels, theatres, and commercial buildings all feature the flamboyant architecture of the early 20th century’s art deco movement. Built over the 1930s and 1940s, over 800 buildings make up the Art Deco District. Spend the day people-watching at a café on Ocean Drive or peruse through the district’s countless boutique shops.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens
For those who enjoy exploring botanical gardens, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens is a must-see while in Miami. The rain forest exhibit and conservatory include some of the rarest and most beautiful plants on the planet, and the botanical garden’s orchid exhibits are some of the most celebrated in the world.
Jungle Island
In between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island is a tropical theme park and bird sanctuary. Fun for the entire family, Jungle Island features flamingoes, colorful parrots, exotic reptiles, and a variety of other animals from the tropics. Jungle Island also gives daily animal shows, and the petting zoo and the playground are kid favorites.
Whether you’re visiting Miami for its stunning beaches, sizzling nightlife, architectural history, beautiful natural wonders, or a little of all four, these five places and attractions in Miami are absolutely must-dos.